Weekly publisher announces retirement | June 10, 2022 | Palo Alto Weekly | Palo Alto Online |

Palo Alto Weekly

News - June 10, 2022

Weekly publisher announces retirement

Bill Johnson will be succeeded by Palo Alto native Adam Dawes

by Palo Alto Weekly staff

Palo Alto Weekly Publisher Bill Johnson, who started a small weekly newspaper in 1979 and grew it into a digital and print publishing company known for its integrity, innovation and community involvement, will retire later this year, he announced to his employees last week. The plan, he said, has been in the works for more than two years to ensure a smooth transition.

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Comments

Posted by M
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on Jun 10, 2022 at 10:55 am

M is a registered user.

Congratulations. The Palo Alto Online stands out in providing an essential service to our community, and a model for what other communities and our democracy need.


Posted by Claudette
a resident of Woodside
on Jun 10, 2022 at 11:00 am

Claudette is a registered user.

Yes! Retirement well deserved. Our communities are richer because of your investment of time, energy, relationships and professionalism. Thank you!


Posted by Becky Sanders
a resident of Ventura
on Jun 10, 2022 at 11:05 am

Becky Sanders is a registered user.

We will miss you Bill! Thank you for passing along the torch to someone who meets your standards! Good luck in retirement and hope to see you around town still. You will be missed. Can I come to your retirement party? :)


Posted by vmshadle
a resident of Meadow Park
on Jun 10, 2022 at 2:53 pm

vmshadle is a registered user.

Thank you for all you have done for us here in Palo Alto and in the wider community, Mr. Johnson. You have earned your retirement and then some.

I look forward to see how Embarcadero Media (v. 2.0?!?) continues to adapt and change to meet our community needs.

Don't forget to relax and have fun!


Posted by Rose
a resident of Mayfield
on Jun 10, 2022 at 4:24 pm

Rose is a registered user.

Bravo Bill! I’m so glad you’ll still be involved and, Adam sounds like a wonderful fit for our beloved PA Weekly. A huge thank you for this treasure you’ve given us all these years. Enjoy your retirement!


Posted by Jennifer
a resident of another community
on Jun 11, 2022 at 8:47 am

Jennifer is a registered user.

Congratulations Mr. Johnson. Enjoy your retirement while you're still young!


Posted by stephen levy
a resident of University South
on Jun 11, 2022 at 10:48 am

stephen levy is a registered user.

Best wishes for a more relaxed life. Enjoy.

The news coverage remains excellent

Steve


Posted by Anonymous
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jun 11, 2022 at 11:06 am

Anonymous is a registered user.

Best wishes as you retire.
I also know local journalism is important for many reasons. We want as many outlets as possible to continue publishing.
We want a well informed citizenry.
Encourage your neighbors and friends to read local, regional, state and national journalism (odd general term, the word journalism isn’t discussed much nowadays, but you know it when you see it).
The idea that we should devote our attention to the content of online influencers is terrifying; whether it’s Johnny Depp,
Elon Musk, or other promoted/various self-appointed figures of current popularity.
Instead, let’s TRY to support and read legitimate news outlets, follow professors and reputable institutes.
It’s import young people distinguish among sources of information and develop some judgement!
- from a former high tech librarian


Posted by Fred Balin
a resident of College Terrace
on Jun 15, 2022 at 10:44 pm

Fred Balin is a registered user.

Talk about a successful Silicon Valley start up! Home grown; maturing, expanding, and innovating across changing and challenging times. For 43 years, you say?

Staffed with top notch professionals, whose talents afford numerous opportunities, but who choose to stay for lengthy runs, in, of, and for this community. My class list of most memorable, include the names Kazak, Trout, and Thorwaldson; Diamond, Sheyner, and Dremann and in recent years a host of local bloggers, and of course, we the people in name or alias on Town Square.

PA Weekly/Online is our unofficial print and digital record as a city. The writers and photographers report on and assess our peaks and valleys; wonders and warts; artists, athletes, and academics; saints and sinners; hubris, humility, kindness, and internal tensions.

This doesn’t just happen on its own, and -- most especially in this day and age -- never take it for granted.

Thankfully Bill Johnson will remain on the Board and the making of, and transition to, a new publisher has long been in the making.

Congratulations and thank you.


Posted by Annette
a resident of College Terrace
on Jun 16, 2022 at 5:17 pm

Annette is a registered user.

If the button still existed I bet you would see the boards light up with "likes" for each of the above messages!! Congratulations on a good ling run, and thank you for brining us the Weekly and PAO.


Posted by ALB
a resident of College Terrace
on Jun 18, 2022 at 6:54 pm

ALB is a registered user.

Thank you Bill Johnson for giving the community an outstanding newspaper. I will never forget your speaking to the city council defending the public’s right to know. Sadly, the CC voted for encryption except for Greer Stone. Your stable of journalists are top flight. Glad to know you have secured a seasoned publisher to take the helm. The best to you in your well earned retirement. Now go have some fun.


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